Date: Fri 20-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

Band-Parents-tractor-raffle

Full Text:

Band Parents Raffle Lawn Tractor To Support A Costly Program

(with photos)

Fund-raising to support the highly successful Newtown High School Band is a

constant challenge.

Nevertheless, the dedicated members of the Band Parents Association continue

to find creative ways to fill their coffers and sustain the excellence of the

program.

"The Newtown High School Band is revered as one of the top bands not only in

the state but throughout New England," said Band Parents Association President

Frank X. Wolferseder in a press release dated June 11.

The press release also announced the group's latest fund-raising project - a

Sears lawn tractor raffle that will take place July 12, with tickets being

sold for $5 each.

"We hope, with your help, this fund-raiser will prove to be successful," Mr

Wolferseder stated.

Nearly 200

Students Enrolled

The Newtown High School band program, which features a marching band, concert

band, symphonic band and jazz band, is an accredited program within the school

system with approximately 200 students enrolled.

Students learn about music and music theory, marching, organization,

self-discipline, competition, teamwork and, as Mr Wolferseder stated, "many

other areas which are so important to life skills."

Fully 95 percent of the band program cost is funded by and through the efforts

of the Newtown High School Band Parents Association, and this year's operating

budget amounted to approximately $45,000, Mr Wolferseder stated.

He offered the following summary of programs and activities that were

supported by those funds.

"Some of the items the Band Parents pay for include, but are not limited to,

the following: musical arrangements the students perform, paying for top

students to attend the All State Festival, sending our drum majors to camp for

leadership training, instruments, uniforms, instructors (except the band

director), insurance, transportation, scholarships, and normal operating

expenses you would expect any business to incur."

Raising Money

The Band Parents routinely raise money to support such band expenses through a

monthly bottle and can drive, bingo once a month, selling coffee, program

advertisements, selling Christmas wreaths, poinsettias and spring flowers.

This year's lawn tractor raffle is the latest fund-raising project.

"As parents of band students, we are very committed...very positive about the

effects of the band program in molding these young adults in becoming

upstanding members of our community. Please help us help the students to

continue to achieve this level of success," Mr Wolferseder said.

The Sears 16 horsepower, 42-inch lawn tractor is being displayed at the Grand

Union parking lot on weekends and raffle tickets may be purchased at $5 each

from Band Parents Association members.

Tickets may also be obtained by calling Ross Carley at 426-4313. Mr Carley

will see that the tickets are delivered to the purchaser's door.

The tractor raffle date and drawing is Saturday, July 12, at Sandy Hook

Firehouse on Band Parents Bingo Night.